Life according to one of life’s truly gifted naturally born wafflers… an open diary of a Saffer in a different land… life in the greater Dublin & Leinster area. (Blogging since 2011) My quests fuel my dreams… my dreams fuel my quests!!

About…

29 August 2019 – Shameful, my lack of attention to this page! So, here’s a quick remedy… an alphabetical listing of my Life Diary series… no, sorry… that should be a numeric listing, beginning with zero… for the introduction…

OK… there you have it! But… I had another urge… to list my 2019 Alternative April A to Z here too… this time in alphabetical order! Why the urge? Because many of the topics covered then speaks of me… and the way my mind sometimes works. So, I suppose it fits well with the About page…

The 2016 April A to Z had its moments. At first I wanted to dedicate a whole page to the topic but as I found while going along, quite a few of the posts turned out to be a little too personal, or maybe too autobiographical so, if ever you feel the urge to visit a few of those posts to see what I’m on about then here’s a quick link.

Beginning with A for anniversary… the B for birthdays… C for cricket… man oh man, the list goes on…

Flip… just doing the links definitely confirms that just about every post has an element of biography attached…

10 Apr 2016 –The blog is forever evolving and I’m forever forgetting to add new content to this page, mostly because I post every day and keep you updated there. What has changed since the last update here? Out of work… again. Still writing… still looking for that perfect solution… to earn enough by way of writing so we can live and travel and write… and live and travel and write. You get the picture! As I always suggest when you visit this page… do scroll down a bit to read the Rules of Engagement here at OMBH…

03 May 2015 – Time for a revisit to this page… time for a bit of housekeeping and a return to basics. One of the very first aims of this blog was to promote my first novel, of which nothing really came. Now, with a bit more luck, I may well be standing on the verge of getting something published! I will keep you updated as events unfold!

OK… back to basics, I’m moving the 10 rules back up here, because I feel like doing so! Before I do so, in July last year I mentioned a little grand lady on her way. Well she’s arrived in all her glory but believe it or not… she’ll be having a little pal near year’s end! More fun!! OK, here they are…

Disclaimer 2 – When the dedicated staff at OMBH take off on a rant the post is often written with a firm dollop of mirth or even a touch of lighthearted sarcasm thrown in… I apologise, we don’t intend to offend, just to stir the pot a tad!

Disclaimer 3 – I’m prone to making spelling errors… blame it on the lisdexia! I’m occasionally finding even ‘spell check’ is letting me down… or I’m not using the system correctly… usually the editor in chief, she that must always be obeyed, points out the errors… days after I’ve posted something… please accept my apologies.

Disclaimer 4 –‘Everyone is entitled to an opinion… but, you may only express it once you’ve earned the right to open your mouth in the company of others.’As quipped by me is a previous post, click here to see what I was on about on that fun-filled day…

Disclaimer 5 – Remember, I’m not trying to wind you up… I’m merely trying to entertain… or maybe even enlighten.

Disclaimer 6 – I don’t take kindly to criticism… I believe it’s always based negatively… there’s no such thing as constructive criticism… that’s a bull, fallacious PC concept… my opinion… (refer to number 4)!

Disclaimer 7 – Not all doors are made for going through… some should be avoided… or at best only peeped through. Or… should that be at worst…?

Disclaimer 8 – I waffle… I know… I’m proud of the fact and will attempt to master the art… something called ‘continuous improvement’ by the management classes – a principle to be admired when correctly applied.

Disclaimer 9 – All disclaimers are subject to terms and conditions which may change at any give point in time, depending on the mood of the main contributor at OMBH.

Disclaimer 10 – If, or when, in doubt… revert to Disclaimer 1 and work your way through again… and if necessary… again… FUN!!

22 Jul 2014– I do so neglect this page! Anyway, much has changed and not a lot has changed. I’m now the proud owner of a new Nikon D3300 and an old 170 – 500 zoom lens. Fun!!

Since the last post on this page a few more grand kids have arrived and there’s even one on the way… if you scroll down you’ll see GSA, the WWW and his brother GSK. Well, they’re hoping for a little sister and apparently that is so!

I’ll leave you with an image of where they now play… Ireland’s sunny south-east! Again, I’ll advise you to scroll down to acquaint yourself with the Rules of Engagement here at OMBH…

27 Oct 2013 – Mid Autumn… a time for magic? Well, judging by the effect these little beauties have on all who see (and chew) them then it must be so…

06 Jul 2013 – Time for an update… it’s midsummer in Ireland. A misnomer at the best of times but at this point, as I type away, the sun is shining and the weather prophets have actually predicted temperatures in the mid 20’s for the weekend. We’ll see, that we will.

OK… enough waffle. The point of today’s exercise is to remind you of the disclaimers below, especially number 3. Why? I’m using photos taken by the GLW more often these days, and why not? Her eye for detail and beauty is special… so, as from this weekend I’ll be doing a week’s run featuring just her good self’s photos!

01 Jan 2013 – This page is always undergoing changes… dependent on my mood swings. The ‘rules’ below are the direct result of a rather large dollop of banter going to my head on New Year’s Day… feel free to read more here…

There’s a bit of a reshuffle going on here at OMBH… I’m not too sure about the outcome of this page yet… so maybe I should stick one of those ‘under construction’ notices op. In the meantime… the info is still quite relevant… I’ve just removed some of the photos as they’s a tad dated. I’ll stick on a current favourite of mine!

August 2012 Update: –

I’m reminded of my own words after a very pleasant comment posted by a South African lady… so, as I’ve said I’d update the page… 😉

Life goes on… work, life and blogging take their toll. I’m also reminded of a pic I took not long ago of the very same little darling GSA in the same spot as lower down the page… doing his best ‘Kilroy’ impersonation. The little fellow had been outside playing in the puddles until the rain came down… again. He didn’t want us to clean his face… nor did we want to…

Jan 2012 Update: –

Life moves on… work is in the offing… yet, I’ll much prefer if someone out there would offer a book deal… earning a living from writing would be a dream come true… hope springs eternal… so, if you’re a publisher, agent or editor in search of a new project… have a look at bits of my first novel (draft form) over at this link… if you feel the urge, please contact me or pass on the info to that person you know who may help ‘discover’ the new young thing of the future… 😉

16 Mar 11 – Life in the left lane… left behind, that is… I’m a not so young fella with all sorts of interests… I’ve wanted to do something like this for some time now, a friend pointed me in the direction of WordPress… great for the likes of me… unemployed, with the occasional urge to say something.

I have a novel completed and will supply the link to where it can be found… I love walking, when my sore back allows… and taking the odd photo… so, why not combine all these bits…

What’s the old story… ‘the sum of the parts is greater than the value of those individual components…’ to quote myself…

This little stretch along the Royal Canal, just to the west of the village of Enfield (Co Meath), is fast becoming a favourite of mine… it’s easy, flat walking… good going on the fragile back… with the aid of the ‘Zimmer’ I get along as if I were a young fella… 😉

23 Mar 11 – I’ve now mentioned the grandsons on a few occasions… so… to prevent further complication… KGS is the oldest in our brood… followed by two others before AGS came along. As my better half (and me) look after the lads they are most often spoken of… so… included today is a pic of them proudly posing in the ‘Zimmer’… the Sligo Inter City just visible in the background… trains… prams & teddy’s…

01 Apr 11 – GSA has been keeping me well entertained while I’ve been horizontal… I also add a pic of him peeping out of his snug cocoon on our last effort out with the ‘Zimmer’… all eyes!!

03 Apr 11 – Luckily the ‘Zimmer’ has full rain protection… GSK trying to pose for a ‘look through’ shot…

11 Apr 11 Out for our longest Sunday stroll, from Furey’s Pub all the way back to Enfield along the Royal Canal… junior son takes a rest while GSA looks at ‘oupa’ taking the photo…

16 Apr 11 – Them two having a mess…

The terrible twins… ‘Little Boy and Fat Man’ at it… again!! 😉

NOTE!! Thanks but no thanks… please don’t leave award nominations here!! I really do appreciate the though but I find it rather difficult to accept the (often undue) praise!

Good morning
I am a post-graduate student at UCD undertaking research into the experiences of work and the places of work of social media entrepreneurs. This is to gain an understanding of some of the challenges and ‘behind the scenes’ work that goes into working on social media platforms.
I would love to get in touch and talk to you about being involved in this research. I appreciate that you are extremely busy and so this would involve a discussion and open interview of about an hour in length only, at a time and place convenient for yourself. The results of the research are for academic purposes only and can be conducted under anonymous conditions if that is preferable.
If you would like any further information about my work, please let me know and I look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks
Beth

Congratulations on your post, I must admit I have popped in a read a good number of your postings I just want to tell you how good you are at describing the stuff your at – I must admit I find it insightful to read your blogging. Keep up the good work.Hendrik Duvenhage http://www.hendrikduvenhageblog.wordpress.com

Hi,
thank you for sharing this beautiful page about
Very beautiful blog
I just discover your blog and I find that it’s very beautiful and with posts interessant
I’m from Madagascar
I follow your publications and I invite you to visit my blog: https://femmeetinfos.wordpress.com and follow mine too
Waiting for you
Best regards
Anita

Just took a quick peek to see what you were saying back at the start… lovely comments you’ve received, I think that’s one of the big surprises for me, how pleasant and enjoyable the blogging contact is. All well deserved too, what’s more. Ciao for now. Off to get a knee MRI done, oh the joys… the joys… eek.

oh you bad man! 🙂 don’t I just, LOL!! These days my best effort is a slow, lazy wander around the neighbourhood AND making it to top of two flights of stairs without help. How the mighty can fall, haha… by the way, guess what my new screensaver is? happy bumble bee = ‘smiling me!!

Of course not, go for it! Anything I need to do? And so happy with my beautiful screensaver, until now I was just being lazy and using a pre- provided one from Apple. Now I switch on to a happy glow and slowly into focus comes Buzzy Bee. Life’s little gifts.

Well not sure how I arrived here but you made me 🙂 Love the photos and you sound very much like me , occassional rant but mostly rock “n” roll…..I love muddy puddles too..grandchild in tow with dad frowning in the background…my motto ..what are puddles for???? Have a nice day 🙂

Hey AJ,
In keeping with the community values of WordPress, I want to pass on the “I am Part of the WordPress Family Award” nomination that was so kindly passed on to me by Goldy @ http://goldyigal.wordpress.com/. You have moved me, made me laugh out loud and given me lots to think about. Thanks for your support. Keep blogging because I will keep reading!

Thanks soooo much!! Well, a young lad from California nominated me for this one some time ago… NOW I’d better do something about accepting the award!! Thanks for your kind words… it does make blogging rewarding when one gets comments and kind praise like this!!

Anyway, you’d better keep blogging yourself!! You have taught me much about Canada and that little house 3/4 way up the hillside… where the wine is cheap and the food fantastic!! Long live blogging and the joy of the cyber interaction!! 😉

Welcome Vos Perd!! Long time since I had another Vos along!! I hope you enjoy what I have to offer, a Saffer’s view in a foreign land!! By the way, one of my lifelong dreams would be to ride a Duke around SA!! 😉 Well, maybe I’m getting on a little now so it may have to be a Gold Wing or Harley…

Hey there, OMBH. I dig your blog so much that I’ve nominated you for a Sunshine Award. 🙂 If you don’t accept it you won’t hurt my feelings; I just want you to know how much I appreciate your hard work and your warnings about reflections about the Dublin canals! 😉 http://beyondpaisley.net/2013/06/04/sunshine-award-me-awwww/

Thank you so much for dropping in on my site..and boy, am I glad you did. I’ve checked out a few of your posts and am very impressed. You are definitely a “must follow!” I look forward to reading more of your posts!

I am always thrilled when I get such high praise! A little embarrassed too… what do I do now?

Wait for further nominations or who approves your nomination? Any way… thanks again, it really means something to me when folk think highly enough of me to re-blog or as in your case, give me more than a mention… nominate me for something as special as this!!

When “Ouch my Back Hurts” appeared as a location next to my house on Google Maps, curiosity compelled me to engrose myself in your wonderful blog and lose all track of what it was I was actually doing in the first place! you have a true talent and the gift to inspire with your words which has brought cheer to my day as one of the best finds from all thats hidden on the internet there else. It was not expected to be here today starting off, but it turned out a very pleasant place to be ending up 🙂

Thank you Sir! Your words in turn humble yet inspire me! I was on the verge of stopping, even though I’m trying to get to 2 year’s consecutive days of posting (16 Mar 13) but when I get such positive comment it tells me I may still have a place in blog land!

I am thrilled by the words you use… if I can help someone lose track of time and enjoy themselves then I am truly fortunate and blessed! My only hope is that you will return… I’m planning a few new themes to take along with me… as you may have noticed with the birth of Zach.

We are also sitting on a (I hope) fantastic story of good will… something that may well help others get along just a little more easy!

Thanks again! You’ve made more than my day… you’ve added to the already positive start to 2013!!

Your blog is a “stumbled-upon” blessing. I was actually searching for informationon mohair spinning. Your photographic skills are amazing. When I first started reading, I thought you were a teenager. Read a bit further and thought “Oh no, not a teenager. Looks like a dad.” Read a bit further and discovered … a GRANDAD!!! Fabulous! You have such a young heart and humour. I’m hooked. Will be plodding through your past posts and following. Thanks. Hope you get that writing break. Warm regards, Thea

Thank you for your fantastic words! You’v made my week! The blog started as something to keep my mind occupied during unemployment… it’s turned into a bit of a mirror of my life! Rather autobiographical at times but most often fun… something I’ve really come to treasure…

“We do not believe any group of men adequate enough or wise enough to operate without scrutiny or without criticism. We know that the only way to avoid error is to detect it, that the only way to detect it is to be free to inquire. We know that in secrecy error undetected will flourish and subvert”. - J Robert Oppenheimer.